Which place is cheaper, Kobe or Sandakan?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Sandakan or Kobe?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Sandakan or Kobe? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Sandakan or Kobe?
Sandakan
Located on the Northeast side of the state of Sabah in Borneo is the city of Sandakan, which is the 2nd largest city in the country. Sandakan was a prosperous port town in the 1800s because of its exports of tobacco, timber, pearls, and ivory. However, this booming town that was formerly the administrative capital in North Borneo was bombed practically out of existence at the end of World War II.
Kobe
Located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range, Kobe is a port city in Japan also considered to be one of the country's most attractive. Though it was devastated by a historic earthquake in 1995, known locally as the Great Hanshin Earthquake, Kobe has fully recovered to its cosmopolitan splendor with plenty for visitors to see and do.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Malaysia, The Best Adventure Tours to Malaysia, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per daySandakan $58Kobe $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Sandakan is $58, while the average daily cost in Kobe is $103. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Sandakan and Kobe in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personSandakan $20Kobe $60
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomSandakan $40Kobe $120
Compare Hotels in Sandakan and Kobe
Looking for a hotel in Sandakan or Kobe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Sandakan Hotel Prices and Kobe Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Sandakan $33Kobe $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Kobe
Also for Kobe, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer from Kobe Cruise Port to Kobe Airport: $48
- Arima Onsen Resorts to Osaka Airport (ITM) Departure Transfer: $55
- Private Arrival Transfer From Kobe Airport to Kobe City: $63
- Kobe Airport (UKB) to Kobe hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $79
- Private departure transfer from Kobe City & Arima Onsen to Kansai Airport : $92
- Osaka (Itami) Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $107
- Departure Private Transfers from Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Car: $132
- Arima-Onsen Resort to Osaka Kansai Airport KIX-Departure Transfer: $133
- Kobe Airport Transfers : Kobe City to Kobe Airport UKB in Business Van: $163
- Arrival Private Transfers from Kobe Airport UKB to Kobe City in Business Van: $163
- Osaka Kansai Airport to/from Kobe City Private Transfer: $164
Is it cheaper to fly into Sandakan or Kobe?
Prices for flights to both Kobe and Sandakan change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one daySandakan $19Kobe $30
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Sandakan
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Sandakan.
- Mangrove Cruise with Fireflies Tour Including Dinner from Sandakan: $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Kobe
For Kobe, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Eat Like a Local Private & Personalized Food Tour: $207
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =standard=: $272
- One day in Kobe with beef dinner =premium=: $297
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Sandakan $7.19Kobe $23
Tours and Activities in Sandakan
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Sandakan are as follows:
- 2D1N Sandakan Private Tour with Kinabatangan River Cruise: $290
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Sepilok Orang Utan Rehab Centre Tour: $105
- Borneo Kinabatangan River Cruise Day Trip: $78
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 2 Days 1 Night At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $197
- Borneo Wildlife Tour 3 Days 2 Nights At Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp Kinabatangan: $241
- Kinabatangan River Cruise from Sandakan: $90
- Labuk Proboscis, Sepilok, Sun Bear, Sandakan City Tour & Lunch: $138
- Private Full Day Sepilok Orang Utan, Bornean Sun Bear and Rainforest Discovery Center Tour: $125
- Private Tour: Half Day Sandakan City Tour Including Local Lunch: $51
- Sepilok Orang Utan & Bornean Sun Bear Centre with Sandakan City Tour with Lunch: $191
Tours and Activities in Kobe
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Kobe.
- Kobe Urban Aquarium AQUARIUM×ART átoa Admission Ticket: $16
- Mt Rokko night view & Arima Onsen & Sanda Outlet Tour: $57
- Private Tour - Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible: $70
- Kobe : Private Custom Tour (Excursion to Osaka / Kyoto possible): $71
- Private tour - Experience Kobe's Best Gems with a local host: $78
- KOBE Sake Walking Tour in Japan's Top Sake Breweries: $83
- Sake Tour and Tasting in Kobe: $84
- Kobe Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $90
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour: $92
- Half-Day Private Guided Tour to Kobe City: $94
- Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $94
- KOBE, SHIOYA, a quaint fishing town walking tour : $97
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one daySandakan $6.59Kobe $8.56
Sample the Local Flavors in Kobe
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Kobe:
- 3-hour KOBE Sake brewery & tasting walking tour with guide: $83
- Sake Brewery and Japanese Life Experience Tour in Kobe: $85
- Nada Sake Brewery District Private Walking Tour: $133
- 5-Hour Nadagogo Sake Brewery Private Guided Experience: $174
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sandakan and Kobe, we can see that Kobe is more expensive. And not only is Sandakan much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sandakan would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sandakan and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kobe would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kobe than you might in Sandakan.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Sandakan Expensive? and Is Kobe Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Sandakan or Kobe?
Kobe has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sandakan. When comparing the sizes of Sandakan and Kobe, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Sandakan or Kobe?
Kobe has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Sandakan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Sandakan or Kobe in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Sandakan as well as Kobe. Sandakan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Kobe because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Sandakan is around the same temperature as Kobe. Typically, the summer temperatures in Sandakan in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kobe averages at about 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sandakan this time of the year. In the summer, Sandakan often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Sandakan gets 221 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 183 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Kobe. Sandakan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sandakan usually gets more rain in July than Kobe. Sandakan gets 195 mm (7.7 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 157 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulySandakan 27°C (81°F)Kobe 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Kobe in the Autumn?
Both Kobe and Sandakan are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Sandakan throughout the year. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kobe this time of year.
In October, Sandakan is generally a little warmer than Kobe. Daily temperatures in Sandakan average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).
Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during autumn. Sandakan gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kobe. It's quite rainy in Sandakan. In October, Sandakan usually receives more rain than Kobe. Sandakan gets 253 mm (10 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberSandakan 28°C (82°F)Kobe 18°C (65°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Kobe in the Winter?
Both Kobe and Sandakan during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Sandakan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many travelers come to Kobe for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Sandakan is much warmer than Kobe in the winter. The daily temperature in Sandakan averages around 26°C (80°F) in January, and Kobe fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
In the winter, Sandakan often gets more sunshine than Kobe. Sandakan gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kobe receives 140 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Sandakan. Sandakan usually gets more rain in January than Kobe. Sandakan gets 437 mm (17.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuarySandakan 26°C (80°F)Kobe 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Sandakan or Kobe in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sandakan and Kobe. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Sandakan year-round. Also, many visitors come to Kobe in the spring for the activities around the city.
In the spring, Sandakan is much warmer than Kobe. Typically, the spring temperatures in Sandakan in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Kobe averages at about 15°C (58°F).
In Sandakan, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sandakan usually receives more sunshine than Kobe during spring. Sandakan gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Kobe receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
Kobe receives a lot of rain in the spring. Sandakan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Sandakan usually receives less rain than Kobe. Sandakan gets 107 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Kobe receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilSandakan 28°C (82°F)Kobe 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Kobe and Sandakan
| Sandakan | Kobe | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 26°C (80°F) | 437 mm (17.2 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 27°C (80°F) | 268 mm (10.6 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Mar | 27°C (81°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 9°C (47°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Apr | 28°C (82°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) |
| May | 28°C (83°F) | 138 mm (5.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 200 mm (7.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 195 mm (7.7 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 157 mm (6.2 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 213 mm (8.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 94 mm (3.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 237 mm (9.3 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Oct | 28°C (82°F) | 253 mm (10 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| Nov | 27°C (81°F) | 344 mm (13.5 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| Dec | 27°C (80°F) | 462 mm (18.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.